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City Cast Twin Cities

🏫 The schools are not alright

December 22, 2025

Hey, Twin Cities! Tiffany here. The national ramen chain Kyuramen, with locations in Eagan and Plymouth, is offering unlimited noodle refills this week. Just save some broth in your bowl! 🍜

Today’s Must-Know

Frustrated parents lead to turmoil at MPS and SPPS

Minneapolis Public Schools is looking at a $30 million budget deficit next year, an improvement from the $75 million gap this year. The Star Tribune’s Anthony Lonetree reports that MPS has made cuts “at levels not seen in the past 10 years.” MPS announced in June that it was cutting 400 positions to balance the budget. [Star Tribune]

  • Minneapolis parents organize: However, trust between parents and the district is fragile since school leaders passed a controversial overhaul five years ago. To get better representation, a group of parents formed Minneapolis Families for Public Schools.
  • Across the river: After a group of Hmong parents organized a stay-home boycott of St. Paul Public Schools, they’re now facing another setback. The school board voted against parents’ preferred plan to ease overcrowding at Txuj Ci schools, which fosters Hmong language and culture. [Sahan Journal]
  • More context: Many parents backed a workgroup plan to move the Hmong studies program into a nearby vacant building. But board members rejected the solution, worried it would go against the overall goal of unifying the schools. Instead, the school board is adding a specialist to find ways to better utilize space at the elementary and middle schools. [Sahan Journal]

What the Cities Are Talking About

Troubling trend: Susan Du at the Star Tribune reports that a majority of Minneapolis City Council members have gone to the authorities to protect themselves from alleged harassment. Although the council members are no strangers to criticism, the escalating threats feel more dangerous than ever following the assassination of House Speaker Melissa Hortman. [Star Tribune]

Art on ice: Mia’s ice sculptures are coming back in the new year. These frozen works of art are inspired by Mia’s collection. I can’t wait to see Yoshimoto Nara’s “Your Dog” – even an ice dog is a good boy. [Bring Me The News]

A woman wearing a shiny silver ski suit and a man wearing a red hoodie and overalls pose with a small dog on a frozen, snow-covered lake.
Lizz Winstead, co-creator of The Daily Show, with her dog and host Sean McPherson on Lake Harriet. (James Napoli / City Cast Twin Cities)

Local funny: The second star of our “We Live Here On Purpose” series is Lizz Winstead, co-creator of The Daily Show. Winstead tells Sean why self-care isn’t a hot bath, it’s taking to the streets. You can catch Lizz on today’s City Cast podcast. [City Cast Twin Cities]

Foodie gift: Justine Jones at Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine highlighted gift-worthy merch from local restaurants. My honorable mention is Black Walnut Bakery’s mouthwatering croissant tote bag. [MSP Mag]

Struck down: Mayor Frey vetoed an ordinance that the city council passed 8-5, which would require the city to provide bathrooms and trash collection for homeless encampments. Frey said the ordinance would encourage people to stay at encampments. Ordinance supporters argue that encampment residents still need private places to go to the bathroom. [Star Tribune]

What to Do

Monday, December 22

Tuesday, December 23

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What store did you spend the most money at this year? Your most-frequented coffee shop? We’re polling listeners for our Twin Cities Year in Review. Join the conversation!

— Tiffany

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